The Sports Matrix: Friday 7 September 2012

Peacock beats Pistorius to cap golden evening

Great Britain's Jonnie Peacock obliterated a field including the South African Oscar Pistorius, right, and Brazil's Alan Oliveira to claim a stunning victory in the 100m T44 last night, with a Paralympic record time of 10.90 seconds.

"It's absolutely surreal," Peacock said. "I've been trying to stay focused to get that time." The 19-year-old was the only runner to finish the race in under 11 seconds.

Peacock remains a staunch Pistorius fan: "I think it's brilliant what Oscar has done for our sport," he said. Pistorius finished fourth. "He's brought a lot of attention to the Paralympics. He's proven that it is elite sport. We are pushing ourselves day by day as much as any athlete."

In the men's 800m T54 race, David Weir secured his third gold of the London Paralympics, coming from behind in the final 100m to power to victory. "That was hard work, I had to dig deep tonight," Weir said after the win. "This one's for my children." The wheelchair racer had also won in the 5,000m, and the 1,500m T54 events.

Sagna angry at Arsenal exodus

Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna criticised his club's inability to keep their best players. "Everyone was expecting [Robin] Van Persie to leave, but [Alex] Song, that was a surprise," said Sagna. "I watched Manchester City's [Premier League title] parade on TV. I want that [feeling]." MORE

Carrick out to earn his England place

Michael Carrick says he has plenty to prove in an England shirt in tonight's World Cup qualifying game against Moldova. "I am not here to think I should be playing or guaranteed a place," said the midfielder. "It is up to me to earn the right to be in the squad." MORE

Gerrard: England can win World Cup

Steven Gerrard has claimed that England have the ability to win the 2014 World Cup ahead of their first qualifying Group H game against Moldova in Chisinau tonight. "You never stop believing in football," said the 32-year-old England captain. "Miracles do happen." MORE

Delighted Storey seals 11th gold

Sarah Storey described these Paralympics as the "greatest Games for me" after claiming her 11th gold medal in total, equalling the record of Tanni Grey-Thompson and Dave Roberts. The cyclist won the C4-5 road race, securing her fourth London 2012 gold. MORE

England U-21s on verge of play-offs

England U-21s defeated Azerbaijan 2-0 last night to move five points clear at the top of qualifying Group Eight. England manager Stuart Pearce said: "Hopefully that sees us in the Uefa Under-21 Championship play-offs." MORE

Federer exit paves the way for Murray

Andy Murray will face Tomas Berdych in tomorrow's US Open semi-final after the Czech's 7-6 6-4 3-6 6-3 win over Roger Federer. It is the first time since the 2004 French Open that a Grand Slam semi-final does not feature Rafael Nadal or Federer. MORE

Hamilton deflects Mercedes rumours

Lewis Hamilton has deflected questions ahead of Sunday's Italian Grand Prix about whether he would leave McLaren for Mercedes next season. "It's not great for the team," Hamilton said of the speculation. "We need to keep our guys motivated." MORE

Cockroft claims second gold

Wheelchair racer Hannah Cockroft claimed her second London 2012 gold medal yesterday, winning the 200m T34 category final. Cockroft, 20, took victory in the T34 100m last Friday, the first British track-and-field gold of the Games. MORE

Shelagh Fogarty

Luck plays a part in everyone's life. Matt Stutzman won silver in the Paralympic Archery. He was born with no arms. Medical reports cite no clinical reason for it. Just one of those things. MORE

Anderson called up as cover for Finn

Jimmy Anderson was called up to England's squad for the Twenty20 series against South Africa yesterday, providing cover for Steve Finn, who has a stiff back. England play three T20s in five days, starting tomorrow. MORE